Ranger-Led Education Programs

Bear Valley Visitor Center

Point Reyes National Seashore offers a variety of free, curriculum-based, ranger-led programs for students Kindergarten through 8th grades.

Reservations for our programs for 2012-2013 are nearly full. Please call Mary Beth Shenton at 415-464-5139 if you have any questions about availability.

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Grades K-3 - Wild about Wildlife
Students discover the diversity of wildlife within Point Reyes National Seashore in this 3-tiered approach. Through a series of activities, games, and stories, kindergarteners are introduced to the concept of wild animals. First and second graders focus on the interrelationship of animals and their habitats, while third graders learn about ecosystems, and adaptations. Takes place at Bear Valley. Bus accessible. Offered September through May, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Duration 1 hr.

See corresponding:
State of California Kindergarten Standards
State of California First Grade Standards
State of California Second Grade Standards
State of California Third Grade Standards

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Kule Loklo

Grades 3-4 - Kule Loklo
Students learn about the traditions and land-use ethics of the Coast Miwok people as they tour a recreated village at Bear Valley. Bus accessible. Offered September through May, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Duration 1 hr.

See corresponding:
State of California Third Grade Standards
State of California Fourth Grade Standards

 
Point Reyes Lighthouse

Grade 4 - Point Reyes Lighthouse
In addition to touring the Point Reyes Lighthouse and viewing its original clockworks, students use nautical charts and maps to determine why it was important to build a lighthouse at Point Reyes. Takes place at the Point Reyes lighthouse. Parking lot is bus accessible. Offered September through May on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Duration 1 hr.

See corresponding:
State of California Fourth Grade Standards

 
Whale Watchers at Point Reyes

Grade 4-5 - Marine Life
After completing the pre-visit curricula on oceanography and marine biology, students use spotting scopes and binoculars to watch migratory gray whales. Migratory whale watching (March through May) takes place at the Poin Reyes lighthouse. Parking lot is bus accessible. Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Duration 1.5 hrs.

See corresponding:
State of California Fourth Grade Standards
State of California Fifth Grade Standards

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Humpback Whale Spouting

Grades 6-8 - Whale Watching
Students learn about the life and adaptations of Pacific gray whales as they watch for these ocean giants migrating past the Point Reyes peninsula. Takes place at the Point Reyes lighthouse. Parking lot is bus accessible. Offered March through early May on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Duration 1.5 hrs.

Observing Pacific Gray Whales Curriculum Guide 170 pages (840 KB PDF)

 
Elephant Seal Colony

Grades 6-8 - Elephant Seal Watching
Using spotting scopes and binoculars, students bear witness to yearly arrival of the elephant seals and learn about the behaviors of these deep sea giants. Takes place near the Chimney Rock parking lot. NOT bus accessible. Carpools required. Offered in February only, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, at 10:30 a.m. Duration 1.5 hrs.

Discovering Northern Elephant Seals Curriculum Guide 158 pages (1.7 MB PDF)

 

Grades 6-8 - Monitoring Creek Health
Students learn how to monitor the health of a creek through hands-on tests and observations. Must complete in-class curriculum prior to visit. Takes place at Bear Valley. Bus accessible. Offered September through May, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Duration 2 hrs.

Monitoring Creek Health Curriculum Guide 117 pages (1.8 MB PDF)

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Did You Know?

Solar Panels on the Bear Valley Administration Building. Daniel Strain / NPS.

As of 2012, Point Reyes National Seashore has installed solar panels on fifteen park buildings, from which the park receives close to 30 percent of the energy it uses. More...